Oak to encourage healthy relaxation

Oak to encourage healthy relaxation

When considering flower essence therapy, the idea is balance. Those who are in negative states have tipped the emotional scales to work against their own well-being.

by Linda M. Crider — 

It is no wonder that Dr. Edward Bach included a flower essence made from the oak tree in his 38 remedy healing system. Bach himself exhibited some of the qualities of this majestic botanical and was intuitive enough to recognize the same characteristics in others. Individuals in need of the essence of Oak are quietly strong and persevering folks who work tirelessly without complaint, even when they are ill.

Those with this personality type are indeed emotionally akin to the mighty oak tree with its massive trunk, hardy, distinctive leaves and the determination to thrive despite adverse environmental conditions. Bach scholar Mechthild Scheffer labels it the “endurance flower,” needed by those who keep themselves in what she calls a state of “self-imposed, high-performance stress.”

When considering flower essence therapy, the idea is balance. Those who are in negative states have tipped the emotional scales to work against their own well-being.

Oak people are fairly easy to recognize as the ones you can always count on. They are the perpetually reliable employees, parents, children, college students or caregivers who take their responsibility seriously, to the point of pushing themselves beyond exhaustion and without the need for praise or recognition. As far as they are concerned, it is their self-appointed duty to “get it done,” regardless of the cost to their mental or physical health.

They are the ones who you might hear saying, “If I do not do it, who will?” As a result, they may be taken advantage of by those with more indolent natures who are all too willing to let the work slide. If nothing else, others lean on them for support.

Unlike other “type A’s” who move quickly and haphazardly, Oak individuals work slowly and methodically so things are done right the first time. They may sometimes be confused with those in need of the essence from the equally notorious elm tree; however, the distinction here is that Oak types are not overwhelmed by their responsibilities but overly committed to them.

Consequently, they are quite opposed to taking breaks, vacations or even brief time-outs to enjoy life. To them, there is always something that needs to be accomplished. They get irritated and impatient when forced to kick back due to illness or some unanticipated interruption in the workday. This state of being can only hold steady for so long, and the price of ignoring the natural impulse to rest and relax can lead to emotional meltdowns. Unchecked, this may eventually manifest as unpleasant physical issues.

As is the case with all of the flower remedies, it is most beneficial to take the Oak remedy when the emotional imbalance is first detected. However, this can be a useful remedy while recovering from a taxing illness, when the spirit needs a boost to keep the healing process moving forward.

Like their human counterparts, animals can also exhibit Oak tendencies if they are excessively hard working and determined, as opposed to the more laid-back types. Drops of this remedy can also be used successfully on plants that appear to be strong but still struggle with the growth process.

Regular use of Oak will encourage the individual to take a step back and recognize an addiction to accomplishment, as well as the critical need to rejuvenate and refresh. A few doses will allow these steadfast folks to realize that the sun will rise and set whether they get things done or not, and that somehow all will be taken care of within the scope of what is reasonable.

Linda M. Crider, BFRP, has been a promoter and educator of botanical healing practices for 15 years. She specializes in flower essence therapy and is a Bach Foundation registered practitioner and founder of Blooming Vibrations, LLC. bloomingvibrations.com or 602-774-2382.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 33, Number 5, October/November 2014.